Brian, "Brian's Back," non-BW songs

[the captain]

Can anyone who was there or who has seen these shows tell me how much, if any, participation Brian had on the other guys' songs when he was brought back on tour consistently in the mid-to-late '70s?

I have only seen bits of shows from here and there (and heard a few more), and it seems like he pretty much only participates in either the oldies or his own newer songs, like the Love You tunes. Is that accurate, or did he have more to do with the others' tunes, too? (Say, songs from Surf's Up, Holland, or even the others' tunes from MIU or LA)?

[joe_blow]

At the 1980 Knebworth show Brian seems quite into it on the piano when they do Keepin' The Summer Alive.

[Sheriff John Stone]

I can't speak for all of the other guy's songs, but for MOST of them, Brian would leave the stage, as would Dennis. The ones I specifically remember him leaving on are "Lady Lynda", "Here Comes The Night", and Mike's Celebration songs when Charles Lloyd was touring with them. I know Brian hangs around for "Keeping The Summer Alive" on the Knebworth show, but I saw The Beach Boys like a week or so before that show (at The Spectrum in Philadelphia), and I vaguely remember Brian leaving, and also for "Living With A Heartache". He did stay around for "Long Tall Texan" however!

[the captain]

Thanks, and Ilook forward to more answers. But I'd also like to add to my question, if I could.

One main reason I am curious is to gain insight into WHY it has seemed to me that Brian was disappearing during those songs. I know most people would have to wildly speculate to answer, but maybe some people have informed knowledge on the reasons. It seems it is most likely either:

1) the guys were happy to let him do as much as he could easily and comfortably do, meaning his own music, and didn't want him to jump right in and have to learn a pretty significant body of work he'd missed, or

2) he was "protesting" performing by doing the bare minimum he could get by with.

And of course, it could be a combination or neither of the above. I just find the whole situation--especially when you toss in Dennis leaving stage, too--very interesting. I've never been to shows where members of the band leave during other members' songs. It's borderline absurd.

[Sheriff John Stone]

I'd say it was a combination of your two reasons with a heavy emphasis on not having to learn the new material. And I agree with you that it was borderline absurd. Believe me, it was very apparent when Brian and Dennis would walk off. Their shows were short to begin with, and I was mad. I used to watch Brian 90% of the time (I don't know why, he barely uttered a syllable at some shows), and it disappointed me when he would leave. Quite frankly, I assumed he needed a hit of something. But I also found it kind of hypocritical. And with Dennis. Weren't those two guys the ones who wanted to move on from the oldies into newer material? Then, when it came time to perform new(er) material, those two guys split. Not to criticize Dennis, but when Bobby Figueroa would take over on drums, it was like, "Whoa..."

[mikeyj]

and Mike's Celebration songs when Charles Lloyd was touring with them.

But I remember seeing on YouTube (not sure if there still on there) videos of them doing Celebration clips live with Brian on bass.

[Sheriff John Stone]

and Mike's Celebration songs when Charles Lloyd was touring with them.

But I remember seeing on YouTube (not sure if there still on there) videos of them doing Celebration clips live with Brian on bass.

Could've been; the concerts I saw he split. Celebration appeared on American Bandstand in 1978 - with Brian - but that was a lipsynched performance. Is that the YouTube clip you're referring to?  Brian's lips were moving to something other than the song's words.

[mikeyj]

and Mike's Celebration songs when Charles Lloyd was touring with them.

But I remember seeing on YouTube (not sure if there still on there) videos of them doing Celebration clips live with Brian on bass.

Could've been; the concerts I saw he split. Celebration appeared on American Bandstand in 1978 - with Brian - but that was a lipsynched performance. Is that the YouTube clip you're referring to?  Brian's lips were moving to something other than the song's words.

Yeh I think that was it. But still my point was that he didnt leave during the performance. Your probably right though that Brian did leave on most occassions for songs he didnt know.

Ive never understood why they lip-synch. Take that performance of Dont Worry Baby (cant remember what show) they are so out of time at times that its hilarious.

[the captain]

Brian's lips were moving to something other than the song's words.

Brian WHO??! I just can't believe we're talking about the same Brian Wilson!  

[Sheriff John Stone]

I don't wanna derail the thread, but that 1978 American Bandstand appearance was a big BW/BB highlight for me. After the big 1976 Brian's Back campaign, The Beach Boys weren't on TV too much. Then, it's summer 1978, "Almost Summer" is all over the radio, and Dick Clark is introducing Celebration with Mike Love AND BRIAN WILSON. Brian's standing there wearing this cool looking, cream-colored Adidas sweat suit with a Fender bass strapped on. Mike was displaying all of these new hand gestures and Brian is doing this little one step, two step dance. I was going wild! I swore Brian was on his way back. Love "Almost Summer" BTW...

[the captain]

I don't wanna derail the thread...

Derail to your heart's content. Lord knows I've done more than my share of that activity.

[MBE]

Brian did a lot more in the period from late 76 to late 77. Probably because he was in better shape. After that he was just kind of there.

[Andrew G. Doe]

... and Brian is doing this little one step, two step dance.

I thought it was more of a two-step side-step myself.